The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) successfully hosted a high-level 2-day meeting featuring key stakeholders from across the continent, aimed at driving forward the development and popularity of cricket in Africa.
DAY 1: STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS ON ILT20 AND AFRICAN CRICKET DEVELOPMENT
The first day of the meeting focused on strategic conversations around the upcoming ILT20 Africa Tournament, scheduled to hold in October 2025 in Rwanda. Key deliberations centered on tournament logistics, continental participation, commercial partnerships, and leveraging the event as a platform to elevate the profile of cricket across Africa.
A significant portion of the day was also dedicated to assessing current cricket development frameworks and proposing collaborative pathways to boost youth involvement, infrastructure growth, and inter-nation partnerships. The goal remains clear: to create a sustainable, competitive cricket ecosystem across the continent.
DAY 2: LAUNCH OF THE 9JA KIDS CRICKET UNVEILING 2025
The second day saw the official unveiling of the 9ja Kids Cricket Program 2025, a grassroots initiative by the Nigeria Cricket Federation targeted at introducing the game to school-aged children nationwide. This bold move aligns with the NCF’s vision to popularize cricket at the community level, promote early talent discovery, and foster long-term interest in the sport.
The 9ja Kids initiative includes school partnerships, basic cricket kits, coaching clinics, and digital content to make cricket fun, educational, and accessible to children from all backgrounds.
DIGNITARIES IN ATTENDANCE
The strategic importance of the gathering was underscored by the presence of high-ranking cricket leaders across the continent, including:
Usman Mubashshir Wamiq, Chairman, ICC Associate Members
President, Kenya Cricket Association
President, Rwanda Cricket Association
President, Botswana Cricket Association
President, Sierra Leone Cricket Association
President, Uganda Cricket Association
Dr. Uyi Akpata, President, Nigeria Cricket Federation (Host)
These leaders expressed commitment to joint action in building cricket’s future in Africa, starting from youth engagement to elite competition structures.
The 2-day ILT20 strategic meeting and the launch of the 9ja Kids Cricket Program mark a milestone in Africa’s cricket development journey. With collaborative will and visionary planning, the game is on a promising path to becoming a mainstream sport across the continent.